In an 'acceptance speech' posted on Twitter, the woman who came up with Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney said: 'Like so many children growing up I really wanted to name a gritter after a 60s bubblegum pop record which was later popularised by a children's entertainer.

'After losing the Oldham gritting competition last year, I thought my dream was over but things have changed and thank you to everyone that's voted for this.

'As an avid user of roads, footpaths and public spaces and an avid fan of traction, I've come to really like not falling over. Gritters do a really important job.'

The new gritters will now join the council's fleet of eclectically-named vehicles, Brad Grit, Gritney Spears, The Subzero Hero, Mr Plow and Usain Salt.

Deputy mayor Glyn Jones commented: 'It's amazing that so many people got involved.

'The suggestions are brilliant. We look forward to David Plowie keeping our roads safe this winter.'

Last year, the British public voted in favour of 'Boaty McBoatface' in a poll to name a new polar research ship. But the British government chose instead to name the vessel 'Sir David Attenborough'.

Earlier this week, Sydney's latest harbour boat was christened Ferry McFerryface, a decision which has caused outrage among staff with many refusing to work on the boat.

The Australian public had been asked to help name six new Sydney ferries, and although Ferry McFerryface lost out to 'Boaty McBoatface', this had already been picked in Britain for a polar research ship last year.

Ferry McFerryface joins the ranks of Trainy McTrainface, a Swedish express train, and Horsey McHorseface, a Sydney racehorse, after a trend started by a suggestion from a former BBC radio host.

Horsey McHorseface has its own Twitter account and has also become a cult hit, after breaking through for his first win in Sydney in June.